Speaking at the opening of a special IAEA Board of Governors meeting in Vienna, Director General Rafael Grossi said the UAE responded quickly and effectively to what he described as an unprecedented event. He also praised the efficiency and vigilance of staff at the Barakah facility.

Grossi explained that the attack caused a fire in an off-site generator, which required the activation of emergency generators. Following a visit to the facility, he noted that the UAE had dealt effectively with the direct strike by an explosive-laden drone.

The special meeting was convened at the request of Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Saudi Arabia to discuss the incident and its implications.

Grossi reiterated the IAEA’s long-standing position that attacks on nuclear facilities are unacceptable and stressed the need for all parties in conflicts to respect the fundamental principles that ensure the safety and security of nuclear installations.